Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Can Heatwaves Affect Fertility? Here’s How Scorching Temperatures Impact Reproductive Health

Even as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) continues to predict rising temperatures and <span>heatwaves</span> in most parts of India, especially in Delhi, doctors flag a quiet but terrible effect that can alter the demographics of the country.

Heatwave conditions are likely to persist in Delhi-NCR from April 23 to 25, with maximum temperatures expected to climb by 1-2°C and remain above normal for at least five days, according to the latest weather bulletin by the <span>India Meteorological Department</span>. The mercury has already been hovering between 40°C and 42°C. 

Some parts of the national capital on Friday recorded the season’s first heat wave, even as the India Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert, warning that similar conditions may continue on Saturday.

Beyond Delhi, heatwave conditions are likely to continue over the plains of northwest and central India, including parts of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.

India is already seeing a drop in <span>fertility rates</span>, reaching the replacement level of 2.0 as per the National Family Health Survey

-5 (2019-21) and continuing to decline to 1.9 by 2023 in the Sample Registration System report.

But with rising heat, both male and female <span>reproductive health</span> could be at risk.

Emerging research suggests that extreme heat can disrupt hormonal balance, reduce fertility in both men and women, and even affect <span>pregnancy</span> outcomes. From lowering <span>sperm quality</span> to interfering with ovulation, scorching temperatures may have deeper biological consequences than many realize.

<h2>Heatwave And Women’s Reproductive Health</h2>

Dr Archana Dhawan Bajaj, a gynaecologist and IVF expert at Nurture IVF Clinic, noted that heat stress can directly affect hormonal balance.

“During extreme heat conditions, we see women coming in with complaints of irregular menstrual cycles, delayed periods, and worsening symptoms of conditions like PCOS."

"The body’s hormonal system is extremely sensitive to environmental stress, and prolonged heat exposure can disrupt normal functioning in ways that are often overlooked,” she said.

Working in extreme heat can double the risk of <span>stillbirth</span> and <span>miscarriage</span> for pregnant women, according to 2024 research from India published in the BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

A 2025 study led by researchers from the Arizona State University in the US showed that thermal stress reduces sperm quality and increases miscarriage risk.

Heat stress could disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, especially in low-income countries. Heat and air pollution could synergistically worsen reproductive health outcomes.

<h2>Heatwave: The Impact On <span rel="noindex">IVF Outcomes</span></h2>

Dr. Hrishikesh Pai, Consultant Gynaecologist &amp; IVF Specialist, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, highlighted that the rising temperatures are not only hurting natural pregnancy but also affecting outcomes of fertility treatments like IVF.

"We are seeing extreme heat during the summer months for the last couple of years. This is making pregnancy more challenging for some women due to poor egg quality and implantation difficulties," he said. 

Dr Pai noted that as a result, women with reduced chances of natural conception are moving to "assisted reproductive techniques like IVF, but environmental and lifestyle factors are increasingly playing a role in treatment outcomes."

Further, men’s health is also being impacted, particularly when it comes to fertility.

A 2024 study by Argentine researchers, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, showed that semen from men exposed to heat waves had lower sperm number and abnormal morphology.

The differences were 4–5 times higher in peak heatwave years (2013, 2023). Heat wave length was negatively associated with semen quality.

“Rising temperatures are a serious but often overlooked risk factor for male infertility. The testicles need a cooler environment compared to the body to function properly in producing sperm. Any slight increase can affect their numbers and quality," said Dr Vineet Malhotra, Head of Urology and Director, VNA Hospital. 

"When exposed to hot temperatures over an extended period of time, especially in urban areas, there is an increase in low-quality sperm, genetic mutations, and infertility in men,” he added.

The experts urged both men and women planning pregnancy to

<ul><li>Avoid prolonged periods in the heat.</li><li>Take regular shade breaks if working outdoors on hot days.</li><li>Avoid exercising or sunbathing for long periods in the hottest part of the day.</li><li>Wearing light clothing,</li><li>Maintain proper hydration.</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

Heatwaves

India Meteorological Department

sperm quality

pregnancy

Reproductive Health

fertility rates

IVF outcomes

stillbirth

miscarriage

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Even as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) continues to predict rising temperatures and heatwaves in most parts of India, especially in Delhi, doctors flag a quiet but terrible effect that can alter the demographics of the country.Heatwave conditions are likely to persist in Delhi-NCR from April 23 to 25, with maximum temperatures expected to climb by 1-2°C and remain above normal for at least five days, according to the latest weather bulletin by the India Meteorological Department. The mercury has already been hovering between 40°C and 42°C. Some parts of the national capital on Friday recorded the season’s first heat wave, even as the India Meteorological Department issued a yellow alert, warning that similar conditions may continue on Saturday.Beyond Delhi, heatwave conditions are likely to continue over the plains of northwest and central India, including parts of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh.India is already seeing a drop in fertility rates, reaching the replacement level of 2.0 as per the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-21) and continuing to decline to 1.9 by 2023 in the Sample Registration System report.But with rising heat, both male and female reproductive health could be at risk.Emerging research suggests that extreme heat can disrupt hormonal balance, reduce fertility in both men and women, and even affect pregnancy outcomes. From lowering sperm quality to interfering with ovulation, scorching temperatures may have deeper biological consequences than many realize.Heatwave And Women’s Reproductive HealthDr Archana Dhawan Bajaj, a gynaecologist and IVF expert at Nurture IVF Clinic, noted that heat stress can directly affect hormonal balance.“During extreme heat conditions, we see women coming in with complaints of irregular menstrual cycles, delayed periods, and worsening symptoms of conditions like PCOS.""The body’s hormonal system is extremely sensitive to environmental stress, and prolonged heat exposure can disrupt normal functioning in ways that are often overlooked,” she said.Working in extreme heat can double the risk of stillbirth and miscarriage for pregnant women, according to 2024 research from India published in the BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology.A 2025 study led by researchers from the Arizona State University in the US showed that thermal stress reduces sperm quality and increases miscarriage risk.Heat stress could disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, especially in low-income countries. Heat and air pollution could synergistically worsen reproductive health outcomes.    Heatwave: The Impact On IVF OutcomesDr. Hrishikesh Pai, Consultant Gynaecologist & IVF Specialist, Lilavati Hospital, Mumbai, highlighted that the rising temperatures are not only hurting natural pregnancy but also affecting outcomes of fertility treatments like IVF."We are seeing extreme heat during the summer months for the last couple of years. This is making pregnancy more challenging for some women due to poor egg quality and implantation difficulties," he said. Dr Pai noted that as a result, women with reduced chances of natural conception are moving to "assisted reproductive techniques like IVF, but environmental and lifestyle factors are increasingly playing a role in treatment outcomes."Heatwave: Impact on SpermFurther, men’s health is also being impacted, particularly when it comes to fertility.A 2024 study by Argentine researchers, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, showed that semen from men exposed to heat waves had lower sperm number and abnormal morphology.The differences were 4–5 times higher in peak heatwave years (2013, 2023). Heat wave length was negatively associated with semen quality.“Rising temperatures are a serious but often overlooked risk factor for male infertility. The testicles need a cooler environment compared to the body to function properly in producing sperm. Any slight increase can affect their numbers and quality," said Dr Vineet Malhotra, Head of Urology and Director, VNA Hospital. "When exposed to hot temperatures over an extended period of time, especially in urban areas, there is an increase in low-quality sperm, genetic mutations, and infertility in men,” he added.How To Prevent?The experts urged both men and women planning pregnancy toAvoid prolonged periods in the heat.Take regular shade breaks if working outdoors on hot days.Avoid exercising or sunbathing for long periods in the hottest part of the day.Wearing light clothing,Maintain proper hydration.